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[[Image:Chevrolet-Volt-DC.jpg|thumb|A [[Chevy Volt]], one example of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, expected to set a new [[wikt:benchmark|benchmark]].]]

A '''hybrid electric vehicle''' ('''HEV''') is a [[vehicle]] which combines a conventional [[ground propulsion|propulsion]] system with an on-board [[rechargeable energy storage system]] (RESS) to achieve better [[fuel economy in automobiles|fuel economy]] than a [[conventional vehicle]] without being hampered by range from a charging unit like a [[battery electric vehicle]], which uses batteries charged by an external source. The different propulsion power systems may have common subsystems or components.

Regular HEVs most commonly use an [[internal combustion engine]] (ICE) and [[electric battery|electric batteries]] to power [[electric motor]]s. Modern [[mass production|mass produced]] HEVs prolong the charge on their batteries by capturing [[kinetic energy]] via [[regenerative braking]], and some HEVs can use the combustion engine to generate electricity by spinning an [[electrical generator]] (often a [[motor-generator]]) to either recharge the battery or directly feed power to an electric motor that drives the vehicle. Many HEVs [[Idle reduction|reduce idle emissions]] by shutting down the ICE at idle and restarting it when needed. An HEV's engine is smaller and may be run at various speeds, providing more efficiency.

HEVs became widely available to the public in the [[1990s]] with the introduction of the [[Honda Insight]] and [[Toyota Prius]]. HEVs are viewed by some [[automaker]]s as a core segment of the next future [[automotive market]].<ref>http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070416/REG/70416014/-1</ref> In an article for the July-August 2007 issue of THE FUTURIST magazine titled "Energy Diversity as a Business Imperative",<ref>http://www.wfs.org/futcontja07.htm</ref>, including [[plug-in hybrid vehicle]]s. GM vice president for environment and energy Elizabeth Lowery is quoted as saying, "Today, we are embracing multiple energy sources because there is no single answer available for the mass market…"<ref>[http://www.prleap.com/pr/80105/ press release]</ref>

{{TOClimit|limit=2}}
== Technology ==

The variety of hybrid electric designs can be differentiated by the structure of the [[hybrid vehicle drivetrain]], the fuel type and the mode of operation.

In 2007, several manufacturers have announced that vehicles will use aspects of hybrid electric technology to reduce fuel consumption without the use of the hybrid drivetrain. Regenerative braking can be used to recapture energy and stored to power electrical accessories, such as air conditioning. Shutting down the engine at idle can also be used to reduce fuel consumption and reduce emissions without the addition of a hybrid drivetrain. In both cases, some of the advantages of hybrid electric technology are gained while additional cost and weight may be limited to the addition of larger batteries and starter motors. There is no standard terminology for such vehicles, although they may be termed [[mild hybrid]]s.

The 2000s saw development of [[plug-in hybrid electric vehicle]]s (PHEVs), which can be recharged from the [[electric power transmission|electrical power grid]] and do not require conventional fuel for short trips. The [[Renault Kangoo]] was the first production model of this design, released in France in 2003.

=== Engines and fuel sources ===
==== Gasoline ====
[[Gasoline engine]]s are used in most hybrid electric designs, and will likely remain dominant for the foreseeable future. While [[petroleum]]-derived gasoline is the primary fuel, it is possible to mix in varying levels of ethanol created from [[renewable energy]] sources. Like most modern ICE-powered vehicles, HEVs can typically use up to about 15% [[bioethanol]]. Manufacturers may move to [[flexible fuel engine]]s, which would increase allowable ratios, but no plans are in place at present.

==== Diesel ====
[[Diesel-electric]] HEVs use a [[diesel engine]] for power generation. Diesels have advantages when delivering constant power for long periods of time, suffering less wear while operating at higher efficiency. The diesel engine's high torque, combined with hybrid technology, may offer substantially improved mileage. Most diesel vehicles can use 100% pure [[biofuel]]s ([[biodiesel]]), so they can use but do not need [[petroleum]] at all for fuel (although mixes of biofuel and petroleum are more common, and petroleum may be needed for [[lubrication]]). If diesel-electric HEVs were in use, this benefit would likely also apply. Diesel-electric hybrid drivetrains have begun to appear in commercial vehicles (particularly buses); as of 2007, no light duty diesel-electric hybrid passenger cars are currently available, although prototypes exist. Peugeot is expected to produce a diesel-electric hybrid version of its 308 in late 2008 for the European market.<ref>http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/207600/peugeot_308.html Autoexpress on diesel-electric Peugeot 308</ref>

[[PSA Peugeot Citroën]] has unveiled two demonstrator vehicles featuring a diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain: the [[Peugeot 307]], [[Citroën C4]] Hybride HDi and [[Citroën C-Cactus]].<ref>http://www.psa-peugeot-citroen.com/document/presse_communique/CP_hybride_HDI_GB1138705079.pdf</ref> [[Volkswagen]] made a [[prototype]] diesel-electric hybrid car that achieved {{L100km|2}} fuel economy, but has yet to sell a hybrid vehicle. [[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]] has been testing the [[Opel Astra]] Diesel Hybrid. There have been no concrete dates suggested for these vehicles, but press statements have suggested production vehicles would not appear before 2009.

[[Robert Bosch GmbH]] is supplying hybrid diesel-electric technology to diverse automakers and models, including the [[Peugeot 308]].<ref>http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070612/ANE01/70612004/1116 </ref>

So far, production diesel-electric engines have mostly just appeared in [[mass transit]] buses.

=== Design considerations ===

In some cases, manufacturers are producing HEVs that use the added energy provided by the hybrid systems to give vehicles a power boost, rather than significantly improved fuel efficiency compared to their traditional counterparts.<ref>[http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/sep2005/tc20050920_8040_tc_217.htm "Hybrids: More Power, Less Fuel"], ''Business Week'', September 20, 2005.</ref> The trade-off between added performance and improved fuel efficiency is partly controlled by the software within the hybrid system and partly the result of engine, battery and motor sizing. In the future, manufacturers may provide HEV owners with the ability to partially control this balance (fuel efficiency vs. added performance) as they wish, through a user-controlled setting.<ref>[http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/08/0808_050808_hybrid_cars.html "Hybrid Cars Losing Efficiency, Adding Oomph"], ''National Geographic'', August 8, 2005.</ref> Toyota announced in January, 2006 that it was considering a "high-efficiency" button.

=== Conversion kits===
{{Main|Electric vehicle conversion}}

One can buy a stock hybrid or convert a stock petroleum car to a hybrid electric vehicle using an [[aftermarket]] hybrid kit . <ref>http://www.go-ev.com/EMIS.html</ref>

=== Benefits ===

Benefits of the hybrid electric design include:

this car sux;

==History==
=== Early developments ===

In 1901, while employed at Lohner Coach Factory, [[Ferdinand Porsche]] designed the "''[[Lohner-Porsche Mixte Hybrid|Mixte]]''", a series-hybrid vehicle based off his earlier "''System Lohner-Porsche''" electric carriage. The Mixte broke several Austrian speed records, and also won the [[Exelberg Rally]] in 1901 with Porsche himself driving. The Mixte used a [[internal combustion engine|gasoline engine]] powering a [[generator]], which in turn powered electric [[hub motor]]s, with a small battery pack for reliability. It had a range of 50 km, a top speed of 50 km/h and a power of 5.22 [[kW]] during 20 minutes.

The 1915 ''Dual Power'', made by the [[Woods Motor Vehicle]] electric car maker, had a four-cylinder ICE and an electric motor. Below 15&nbsp;mph (25&nbsp;km/h) the electric motor alone drove the vehicle, drawing power from a battery pack, and above this speed the "main" engine cut in to take the car up to its 35&nbsp;mph (55&nbsp;km/h) top speed. About 600 were made up to 1918.<ref name=Beaulieu>{{cite book |last=Georgano |first=N. |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile |year=2000 |publisher=HMSO |location=London |id=ISBN 1-57958-293-1}}</ref>

=== Forefathers of current technology ===

A more recent working prototype of the HEV was built by [[Victor Wouk]] (one of the scientists involved with the [[Henney Kilowatt]], the first transistor-based electric car). Wouk's work with HEVs in the 1960s and 1970s earned him the title as the "Godfather of the Hybrid".<ref>{{ cite web | title = Godfather of the Hybrid | Publisher = California Institute of Technology | work = Engineering & Science | url = http://pr.caltech.edu/periodicals/EandS/articles/LXVII3/wouk.html | accessdate = 2006-01-11 }}</ref> Wouk installed a prototype hybrid drivetrain (with a 16 kW [[electric motor]]) into a 1972 [[Buick Skylark]] provided by GM for the 1970 Federal Clean Car Incentive Program, but the program was stopped by the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) in 1976 while Eric Stork, the head of the EPA at the time, was accused of a [[prejudicial]] [[coverup]].<ref>{{ cite web | url = http://www.hybridcars.com/epa-numbers/hybrids-and-the-epa-fuel-economy-controversy.html | title = The Great Hybrid Car Cover-up of '74 | publisher = hybridCARS.com | accessdate = 2006-10-12 }}</ref>

The regenerative braking system , the core design concept of most production HEVs, was developed by [[electrical engineer]] [[David Arthurs]] around 1978 using [[wikt:off-the shelf|off-the shelf]] components and an [[Opel GT]]. However the [[voltage controller]] to link the batteries, motor (a jet-engine starter motor), and DC [[generator]] was Arthurs'. The vehicle exhibited {{mpg|75}} [[fuel efficiency]] and plans for it (as well as somewhat updated versions) are still available through the [[Mother Earth News]] web site. The Mother Earth News' own 1980 version claimed nearly {{mpg|84}}.

In 1989, [[Audi]] produced its first [[wikt:iteration|iteration]] of the Audi Duo (or Audi 100 Avant duo) experimental vehicle, a [[plug-in hybrid|plug-in parallel hybrid]] based on the [[Audi 100]] Avant [[Audi Quattro|quattro]]. This car had a 12.6 [[bhp]] [[Siemens]] [[electric motor]] which drove the rear wheels. A [[trunk]]-mounted [[nickel-cadmium battery]] supplied [[energy]] to the motor that drove the rear wheels. The vehicle's front wheels were powered by a 2.3-litre five-cylinder engine with an output of 136 bhp. The intent was to produce a vehicle which could operate on the engine in the country and electric mode in the city. Mode of operation could be selected by the driver. Just ten vehicles are believed to have been made; one [[drawback]] was that due to the extra weight of the electric drive, the vehicles were less efficient when running on their engines alone than standard Audi 100s with the same engine.

Two years later, Audi unveiled the second duo generation - likewise based on the Audi 100 Avant quattro. Once again this featured an electric motor, a 28.6 bhp three-phase machine, driving the rear wheels. This time, however, the rear wheels were additionally powered via the [[Torsen differential]] from the main engine compartment, which housed a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.

The [[Bill Clinton]] administration initiated the [[Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles]] (PNGV) program on [[29 September]] [[1993]] that involved [[Chrysler]], [[Ford]], [[General Motors]], [[USCAR]], the [[DoE]], and other various governmental agencies to engineer the next efficient and clean vehicle.<ref>{{cite web | author=Sissine, Fred| year=1996| title=CRS Report for Congress: The Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) | format=http | work=National Library for the Environment | url=http://www.ncseonline.org/NLE/CRSreports/energy/eng-9.cfm | accessdate=January 11 | accessyear=2006}}</ref> The [[National Research Council|NRC]] cited automakers’ moves to produce HEVs as evidence that technologies developed under PNGV were being rapidly adopted on [[production line]]s, as called for under Goal 2. Based on information received from automakers, NRC reviewers questioned whether the “Big Three” would be able to move from the concept phase to cost effective, pre-production [[prototype]] vehicles by 2004, as set out in Goal 3.<ref>Review of the Research Program of the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles: Seventh Report, National Research Council, (2001), p. 77</ref> The program was replaced by the hydrogen-focused [[FreedomCAR]] initiative by the [[George W. Bush]] administration in 2001,<ref>{{cite web | title=FreedomCAR: Getting New Technology into the Marketplace | work=U.S. House of Representatives Charters: Committee on Science, Subcommittee on Energy | url=http://www.house.gov/science/hearings/energy02/jun26/charter.htm | accessdate=June 26 | accessyear=2002}}</ref> an initiative to fund research too risky for the private sector to engage in, with the long-term goal of developing effectively carbon emission- and petroleum-free vehicle

=== Production HEVs ===
[[Image:gcc hybrid sales feb07.png|thumb|300px|Hybrid Vehicle Sales Chart, by [[Green Car Congress]]; Toyota: 85 %]]

Automotive hybrid technology became successful in the 1990s when the [[Honda Insight]] and [[Toyota Prius]] became available. These vehicles have a direct linkage from the ICE to the driven wheels, so the engine can provide acceleration power.

The Prius has been in high demand since its introduction. Newer designs have more conventional appearance and are less expensive, often appearing and performing identically to their non-hybrid counterparts while delivering 40% better fuel efficiency. The [[Honda Civic Hybrid]] appears identical to the non-hybrid version, for instance, but delivers about {{mpg|50}}. The redesigned 2004 Toyota Prius improved passenger room, cargo area, and power output, while increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions. The Honda Insight, while not matching the demand of the Prius, stopped being produced after 2006 and has a devoted base of owners. Honda has also released a hybrid version of the [[Honda Accord|Accord]].

An [[R.L. Polk]] survey of 2003 [[model year]] cars showed that hybrid electric car registrations in the [[United States]] rose to 43,435 cars, a 25.8% increase from 2002 numbers.{{Fact|date=June 2007}} [[California]] had the most HEVs registered: 11,425. The proportionally high number may be partially due to the state's higher gasoline prices and stricter emissions rules, which HEVs generally have little trouble passing.

Honda, which offers Insight, Civic and Accord models, sold 26,773 HEVs in the first 11 months of 2004.<!--2004?--> Toyota has sold a cumulative 306,862 HEVs between 1997 and November 2004, and Honda has sold a total of 81,867 HEVs between 1999 and November 2004.<ref>{{cite web | title=Toyota May License Hybrid System to More Carmakers | work=FuelCellsWorks.com | url=http://www.fuelcellsworks.com/Supppage1855.html | accessdate=January 14 | accessyear=2005}}</ref>

Audi was the first European car manufacturer to put in 1997 a hybrid vehicle into [[series production]], the third generation Audi duo, then based on the [[Audi A4|A4 Avant]].<ref>http://www.audi.com/audi/com/en2/about_audi_ag/news/press_echo/Audi_Q7_hybrid___making_a_clean_start.html, http://www.audi.com/audi/aola/cr/about_audi_ag/company_perspective/design/studies/q7_hybrid_concept/hybrid_history.html </ref>

2005 saw the first hybrid electric [[sport utility vehicle]] (SUV) released, the [[Ford Escape Hybrid]]. Toyota and Ford entered into a licensing agreement in March 2004 allowing Ford to use 20 patents from Toyota related to hybrid technology, although Ford's engine was independently designed and built. In exchange for the hybrid licenses, Ford licensed patents involving their European diesel engines to Toyota. Toyota announced model year 2005 hybrid electric versions of the [[Toyota Highlander]] and [[Lexus RX 400h]] with 4WD-i, which uses a rear electric motor to power the rear wheels negating the need for a differential. Toyota also plans to add hybrid drivetrains to every model it sells in the coming decade.{{Fact|date=June 2007}}

In 2007, Lexus released a hybrid electric version of their GS sport sedan dubbed the ''GS450h'', with "well in excess of 300hp".{{Fact|date=June 2007}} The 2007 [[Toyota Camry Hybrid|Camry Hybrid]] became available in Summer 2006 in the United States and Canada. [[Nissan]] announced the release of the [[Nissan Altima|Altima]] hybrid (technology supplied by Toyota) in 2007.Hybrid cars see record sales. <ref>http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=101846&topicId=103840033&docId=l:687461277&start=7 </ref>

Manufacturers are going to introduce 15 new hybrids in 2008 <ref> http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=101846&topicId=103840033&docId=l:687461321&start=8</ref>

=== Production PHEVs===

In 2007 appears the [[DoE]]´s Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Plan and the PHEV mass-production race.

{{See|History of plug-in hybrids}}

== Vehicle types ==
=== Motorcycles ===
[[eCycle]] Inc produces series [[diesel-electric]] motorcycles, with a top speed of {{mph|80}} and a target retail price of $5,500. <ref>http://www.ecycle.com/hybrid.html , http://www.hybrid-vehicles.net/ecycle-hybrid-motorcycles.htm</ref>

=== Automobiles and light trucks ===

A number of manufacturers currently produce hybrid electric automobiles and light trucks, including [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]], [[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]], [[Honda]], [[Mazda]], [[Mercury (automobile)|Mercury]], [[Nissan]], [[PSA]] ([[Peugeot]]-[[Citröen]]), [[Renault]], and [[Toyota]]. Other types of HEVs are manufactured including ''Microhybrids'' (small hybrid electric [[city car]]s) and [[Diesel-electric]] hybrid vehicles, such as [[Citroën C-Cactus]] concept car and [[GM]] [[plug-in hybrid]] [[Chevy Volt]] that may soon see mass-production.

Combined sales of HEVs in the U.S. rose 54% in February 2007 to more than 22,998 units, up 52% from the results in February 2006. The figures do not include sales of GM HEVs, which the automaker does not yet break out, but do reflect the addition of the [[Nissan Altima Hybrid]], now sold in eight states.<ref>http://www.greencarcongress.com/2007/03/us_sales_of_hyb.html</ref> An estimated 180,000 HEVs were sold in the U.S. in first half of 2007, or 3% of car sales during that period.<ref>[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12523027 The Prius Rules Hybrids — but Is Interest Falling?]</ref>
==== Taxis====

HEVs (and specially plug-ins) may be particularly appropriate for use as [[taxicab]]s, as in many locations they are used in predominantly urban environments; have intensive operating schedules, maximizing fuel savings over the life of the vehicle; may spend considerable periods of time at [[idle]], where the hybrid electric engine may allow for the ICE to be shut off (while retaining use of electrical accessories); and can recharge batteries at [[taxicab stand]]s.

[[New York City]] started converting its taxi fleet to hybrids in 2005,<ref>{{cite news |title=Ford unveils fleet of hybrid NY taxis |date=November 10, 2005 |publisher=CNN |url=http://english.epochtimes.com/news/5-11-11/34504.html}}</ref> with 375 active as of July, 2007. The mayor plans to convert 20% of the remaining 13,000 taxis each year.

[[San Francisco]] intends to convert its entire fleet to hybrid or [[CNG]] vehicles by 2008.<ref>375 in July 2007, plan to convert whole fleet; SF transition: [http://www.politicalaffairs.net/article/articleview/5575/1/32/ Some Big Apple Taxis to Go Green]</ref>

=== Buses ===
[[Image:NJ Transit RTS hybrid 4002.jpg|thumb|300px|Hybrid-electric [[Rapid Transit Series|RTS]] bus operated by [[New Jersey Transit Bus Operations|New Jersey Transit]] in [[Trenton, New Jersey]], utilizing a Thudervolt hybrid drive by ISE Corporation. The hybrid drive housing is under and on top of the bus.]]

Current manufacturers of [[diesel-electric]] hybrid buses include [[New Flyer Industries]], [[Gillig]], [[Orion Bus Industries]], and [[North American Bus Industries]]. In [[2008]], [[Nova Bus]], which had previously marketed the [[Rapid Transit Series|RTS]] hybrid before that model was discontinued, will add a diesel-electric hybrid option for its LFS series<!--Nova Bus had already had 4 hybrids built prior!--> as well.

In the United Kingdom, [[Wrightbus]] has introduced a development of the London 'Double-Decker', a new interpretation of the traditional red [[bus]]es that are a feature of the extreme traffic density in London. These buses use a small diesel engine with electric storage through a lithium ion battery pack. The use of a 1.9 litre diesel instead of the typical 7.0 litre engine in a traditional bus demonstrates the possible advantages of serial hybrids in extremely traffic-dense environments. Based on a London test cycle, a reduction in CO2 emissions of 31% and fuel savings in the range of 40% have been demonstrated, compared with a modern 'Euro-4' compliant bus.

Also in 2005 GE introduced its hybrid electric [[shifter]]s on the market. Toyota claims to have started with the Coaster Hybrid Bus in 1997 on the Japanese market. In May 2003 GM started to tour with hybrid electric buses developed together with Allison. Several hundreds of those buses have entered into daily operation in the US. The Blue Ribbon City Hybrid bus was presented by [[Hino Motors|Hino]], a Toyota affiliate, in January 2005. Mitsubishi Motors have developed a diesel engine hybrid bus using lithium batteries in 2002, and this model has since seen limited service in several Japanese cities.

Since 1999, Hybrid electric buses with gas turbine generators have been developed by several manufacturers in the US and New Zealand, with the most successful design being the buses made by [[Designline]] of New Zealand. The first model went into commercial service in Christchurch (NZ) since 1999, and later models now operates daily service in Tokyo, Auckland (NZ), Hong Kong, and Newcastle upon Tyne (UK).

[[New Flyer]] and [[Gillig]] produce hybrid electric buses using either ISE Corporation ThunderVolt or [[Allison Transmission GM]]'s electric drive system. The [[Whispering Wheel]] bus is another HEV.

=== Trucks ===

In 2003 GM introduced a diesel hybrid electric military (light) truck, equipped with a diesel electric and a fuel cell auxiliary power unit. Hybrid electric light trucks were introduced 2004 by Mercedes (Hybrid Sprinter) and Micro-Vett SPA (Daily Bimodale). [[Navistar International|International Truck and Engine Corp.]] and [[Eaton Corp.]] have been selected to manufacture diesel-electric hybrid trucks for a US pilot program serving the utility industry in 2004. In mid 2005 [[Isuzu]] introduced the Elf Diesel Hybrid Truck on the Japanese Market. They claim that approximately 300 vehicles, mostly route buses are using Hinos HIMR (Hybrid Inverter Controlled Motor & Retarder) system.

[[Hino Motors]] (a [[Toyota]] subsidiary) has the world's first production hybrid electric truck in Australia (110kW diesel engine plus a 23kW [[electric motor]]).<ref>{{ cite web | title = Hybrid truck for; greener transport | first = Peter | last = Barnwell | publisher = Manningham Leader | url = http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=101846&topicId=103840033&docId=l:619088174 | accessdate = 2007-06-13 }}</ref>

Petroleum electric hybrid truck makers: [[DAF Trucks]], [[MAN AG]] with [[MAN TGL Series]], [[Nissan Motors]] and [[Renault Trucks]] with [[Renault Puncher]].

Hybrid electric truck technology maker: [[ZF Friedrichshafen]].

=== Military vehicles ===

The [[United States Army]]'s manned ground vehicles of the [[Future Combat System]] all use a hybrid electric drive consisting of a diesel engine to generate electrical power for mobility and all other vehicle subsystems. Other military hybrid prototypes include the [[Millenworks Light Utility Vehicle]], the [[International FTTS]], and the [[Shadow RST-V]].

=== Locomotives ===
{{main|Hybrid Locomotive}}

In May 2003 [[JR East]] started test runs with the so called NE (new energy) train and validated the system's functionality (series hybrid with [[lithium ion battery]]) in cold regions. In 2004, [[RailPower Technologies]] had been running pilots in the US with the so called Green Goats,<ref>{{ cite web | url = http://www.wired.com/news/planet/0,2782,66998,00.html | title = Hybrid Locomotive Gains Traction }}</ref> which led to orders by the [[Union Pacific]]<ref>{{ cite web | url = http://www.uprr.com/newsinfo/railroad/2005/0406_hybrid.shtml | title = Union Pacific Bases First Hybrid Locomotive in California }}</ref> and [[Canadian Pacific]]<ref>{{ cite web | url = http://www8.cpr.ca/cms/English/Media/News/General/2005/Hybrid+locomotives.htm | title = Canadian Pacific Railway to acquire first hybrid locomotives }}</ref> Railways starting in early 2005.

Railpower offers hybrid electric road [[switcher]]s,<ref>{{cite web | title=RailPower: Better Economics, Better Environment | work=RailPower.com | url=http://www.railpower.com/rp20.html | accessdate=January 11 | accessyear=2006}}</ref> as does GE.<ref>{{ cite web | title = Hybrid Locomotive | publisher = GEtransportation.com | url = https://www.getransportation.com/general/locomotives/hybrid/hybrid_default.asp | accessdate = 2006-01-11 }}</ref> [[Diesel-electric]] locomotives may not always be considered HEVs, not having energy storage on board, unless they are fed with electricity via a collector for short distances (for example, in tunnels with emission limits), in which case they are better classified as [[dual-mode vehicle]]s.

=== Marine and other aquatic===
Produces marine hybrid propulsion:
*[[eCycle]] Inc.<ref>http://www.ecyclemarine.com</ref>
*[[Solar Sailor Holdings]]

== Comparison of regular hybrids with petroleum and plug-in hybrid vehicles ==
=== Conventional vehicles ===
HEVs are more expensive (the so-called "hybrid premium") than traditional [[ICE|ICE vehicles]] (ICEV), due to extra batteries, more electronics and in some cases other design considerations. The [[wikt:trade-off|trade-off]] between higher initial cost and lower fuel costs (often referred to as the [[payback period]]) is dependent on usage - miles traveled, or hours of operation, fuel costs, and in some cases, government subsidies. Traditional economy vehicles may result in a lower direct cost for many users (before consideration of any [[externality]]).

''Consumer Reports'' ran an article in April 2006 stating that HEVs would not pay for themselves over 5 years of ownership. However, this included an error with charging the "hybrid premium" twice.<ref>{{ cite news | title = Consumer Reports Revises Financial Analysis In Report on Ownership Costs for Hybrid Cars | date = [[7 March]] [[2006]] | publisher = Consumers Union | url = http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cu-press-room/pressroom/archive/2006/04/eng0604ehv.htm | author = Consumer Reports | accessdate = 2007-04-27 }}</ref> When corrected, the Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius did have a payback period of slightly less than 5 years.<ref>{{ cite web | url = http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/high-cost-of-hybrid-vehicles-406/overview/index.htm | title = The dollars & sense of hybrid cars }}</ref> This includes conservative estimates with depreciation (seen as more depreciation than a conventional vehicle, although that is not the current norm) and with gas prices. In particular, the Consumer Reports article assumed $2/U.S.&nbsp;gallon for 3 years, $3/U.S.&nbsp;gallon for one year and $4/U.S.&nbsp;gallon the last year. As recent events have shown, this is a volatile market and hard to predict. For 2006, gas prices ranged from low $2 to low $3, averaging about $2.60/U.S.&nbsp;gallon.

A January 2007 analysis by Intellichoice.com shows that all 22 currently available HEVs will save their owners money over a five year period. The most savings is for the Toyota Prius, which has a five year cost of ownership 40.3% lower than the cost of comparable non-hybrid vehicles.<ref>{{ cite web | title = Hybrids Cost-Efficient Over Long Haul | publisher = Business Week | url = http://www.businessweek.com/autos/content/jan2007/bw20070108_774581.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index_autos | date = [[9 January]] [[2007]] }}</ref>

A report in the ''[[Greeley Tribune]]'' says that over the five years it would typically take for a new car owner to pay off the vehicle cost differential, a hybrid [[Camry]] driver could save up to $6,700 in gasoline at current gasoline prices, with hybrid tax incentives as an additional saving.<ref>{{ cite web | url = http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=101846&topicId=103840033&docId=l:618716736 | publisher = Greeley Tribune | first = Rebecca | last = Boyle | title = Are hybrid cars worth the cost? | accessdate = 2007-06-13 }}</ref>

In countries with incentives to fight against [[global warming]] and [[contamination]] and promote vehicle [[fuel efficiency]], the [[wikt:pay-back|pay-back]] period can be immediate and ICEV can cost more than hybrid because they generate more pollution.

In some car ways, only electric and hybrid vehicles in electric mode can circulate.

=== Plug-in hybrids ===
{{main|Plug-in hybrid}}
Plug-in hybrids can also be recharged using an [[electric outlet]].

== Legislation and incentives ==
In order to encourage the purchase of HEVs, several [[incentive]]s and [[ecotax]]es have been made into law.

=== Europe ===
In the [[Netherlands]], the [[Vehicle Registration Tax]] (VRT), payable when a car is sold to its first buyer, can earn the owner of an HEV a discount up to [[€]]6,000. In the [[Republic of Ireland]], a 50% reduction in VRT applies, which normally amounts to 25% of the market value of a car.

Drivers of HEVs in the [[United Kingdom]] benefit from the lowest band of vehicle excise duty (car tax), which is based on [[carbon dioxide]] emissions. In central [[London]], these vehicles are also exempt from the £8 daily [[London congestion charge]].<ref>http://www.cclondon.com/exemptions.shtml</ref> Due to their low levels of regulated emissions, the greenest cars are eligible for 100% discount under the current system. To be eligible the car must be on the current Power Shift Register.<ref>http://www.est.org.uk/uploads/documents/fleet/PowerShift%20Register%2020.02.07.pdf</ref> At present, these include the cleanest [[LPG]] and [[natural gas]] cars and most hybrid-, battery- and fuel cell-electric vehicles.
=== Canada ===
In [[Canada]], residents in Ontario, Canada can claim a rebate on the Provincial Retail Sales Tax of up to $2,000 CDN on the purchase or lease of a hybrid electric vehicle.<ref>{{ cite web | url = http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_6551_1.html | title = Vehicles Powered by Alternative Fuels | publisher = Government of Ontario | accessdate = 2006-10-10 }}</ref> Ontario recently announced a new green license plate for hybrid car users and will announce a slew of benefits that go along with it in 2008.<ref>http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=8433f2be-5d58-4610-87ac-04c65953e60a&k=15430</ref> Residents in British Columbia are eligible for a 100% reduction of sales tax up to a maximum of $2,000 if the hybrid electric vehicle is purchased or leased before April 1, 2011 (extended in 2007/2008 budget from March 31, 2008 and expanded from a maximum of only $1,000 from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009, at which point the concession was scheduled to expire.) <ref>{{ cite web | title = British Columbia Provincial Government Budget 2007/2008 to 2008/2009| url = http://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2007/bfp/default.aspx?hash=8 | publisher = Government of British Columbia | accessdate = 2007-03-22 }}</ref>The Canadian federal government recently began offering rebates in March 2007 of $1000-$2000. Generally cars getting 6.5 L/100km or better and light trucks getting 8.3 L/100km or better will quailify.<ref>http://www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/ecotransport/ecoauto.htm</ref>

===USA===
Throughout the [[United States]]:
==== Federal ====
Diesel-electric and gasoline-electric hybrids are not grouped under the electric fuel category because the input fuel is diesel or gasoline rather than an alternative transportation fuel. [[DOE]], which has [[EPACT92]] implementation authority, ruled that diesel-electric and gasoline-electric hybrids are not "alternative fuel vehicles." <ref> http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/alternate/page/datatables/atf14-20_05.html</ref>

The purchase of hybrid electric cars qualifies for a federal income [[tax credit]] up to $3,400 on the purchaser's Federal income taxes. The [[tax credit]] is to be phased out two calendar quarters after the manufacturer reaches 60,000 new cars sold in the following manner: it will be reduced to 50% ($1700) if delivered in either the third or fourth quarter after the threshold is reached, to 25% ($850) in the fifth and sixth quarters, and 0% thereafter. Many states give additional tax credits to hybrid electric car buyers.

==== States and local====
* Certain states (e.g., [[New York]], [[California]], [[Virginia]], and [[Florida]]) allow singly-occupied HEVs to enter the [[HOV]] lanes on the highway. Initially, the [[Federal Highway Administration]] ruled that this was a violation of federal statute<ref>{{cite web | title=High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Systems | work=Virginia Department of Transportation | url=http://www.virginiadot.org/comtravel/hov-rulesfaq.asp | accessdate=January 11 | accessyear=2006}}</ref> until [[August 10]] [[2005]] when [[George W. Bush]] signed the [[Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users|Transportation Equity Act of 2005]] into law.
* Some states, e.g. [[California]], exempt hybrid electric cars from the [[biennial]] [[smog]] inspection, which costs over $50 ([[as of 2004]]).
* The city of [[San Jose, California]] issued a free parking tag until 2007 when it became issued for a fee annually for hybrid electric cars that were purchased at a San Jose dealership. The qualified owners do not have to pay for parking in any city garage or road side parking meters.
* City of [[Los Angeles, California]] offers free parking to all HEVs starting on [[1 October]] [[2004]]. The experiment is an extension to an existing offer of free parking for all pure electrical vehicles.
*In October, 2005, the City of [[Baltimore, Maryland]] started to offer discount on monthly parking in the city parking lots, and is considering free meter parking for HEVs. On [[3 November]] [[2005]], the ''[[Boston Globe]]'' reports that the city council of [[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston]] is considering the same treatment for hybrid electric cars.
* Annual vehicle registration fees in the [[Washington, D.C.|District of Columbia]] are half ($36) that paid for conventionally vehicles ($72).

== The Emergence of Hybrid Vehicles ==
[[AllianceBernstein]] projects that worldwide by 2030, 72% of the fleet and 85% of new cars will be hybrids ([[regular hybrid vehicle|regular]] or [[plug-in hybrid]]s).<ref> http://www.alliancebernstein.com/CmsObjectABD/PDF/Research_WhitePaper/R37755_Hybrid.pdf</ref>

== See also ==
{{EnergyPortal}}
* [[Bivalent (engine)]]
* [[Comparison of Toyota hybrids]]
* [[List of hybrid vehicles]]
* [[Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle]]
* [[Tribrid vehicle]]

== References ==

{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.activehybrid.com Hybrid Cars Articles and Photos]
* {{Dmoz|Science/Technology/Energy/Transportation/Electric_Vehicles/Electric_and_Gas_Hybrids/|Electric and Gas Hybrids}}
* {{HSW|hybrid-car|How hybrid cars work}}
* [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybrid_sbs_cars.shtml Compare hybrid cars].
* [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax_hybrid_old.shtml U.S. Federal Income Tax Deduction for Hybrids Placed in Service].
* [http://www.automotive.com/new-cars/27/hybrid/index.html New Hybrid Cars]
* [http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070522/UPDATE/705220448/1148/AUTO01 New York City Taxis to go all hybrid by 2012] 2007-05-22
* [http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/03/14/general-motors-talks-about-battery-development/ GM battery development details revealed] 2007-03-13 [http://www.greencarcongress.com/2007/03/gms_view_on_bat.html Alternate]
* [http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/jan07/4848 GM Announces Chevrolet Volt Series Hybrid Concept Vehicle] 2007-01-07
* [http://www.hybridcenter.org/hybrid-center-how-hybrid-cars-work-under-the-hood-2.html Series, Parallel, and series-parallel systems animation]
* [http://www.motherearthnews.com/Alternative_Energy/1979_July_August/An_Amazing_75_MPG_Hybrid_Electic_Car Mother Earth News article from 1978 on the original regenerative braking hybrid car]
* [http://www.fti-cvt.com/hybrid_vehicles_.htm Folsom Technologies, Inc. Hybrid Hydraulic, Hybrid Electric, and CVT technologies]
* [http://www.enewsbuilder.net/capmet/e_article000189635.cfm Hybrid-Electric "Bus of the Future" Tested By Capital Metro].
* [http://www.hybridsynergydrive.com/ Toyota's hybrid cars information, HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE]
* [http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=101846&topicId=103840033&docId=l:689775945&start=2 Honda to launch low-priced hybrids]

[[Category:Alternative propulsion]]
[[Category:Hybrid vehicles|*]]
[[Category:Regular hybrid electric vehicles]]
[[Category:Engines]]
[[Category:Electric vehicles]]

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Revision as of 03:47, 8 November 2007

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